<p>I have been entering data into an NPC that my S is thinking of going to. One of the components of EFC is student work of $2500. My S is going to play a sport, and, at least in his freshman year, I think school, sport and work would be too much. Can you decline the student work stipend that the college is including in their package and pay the difference?</p>
<p>No student is forced to work. Yes, you can just pay it.</p>
<p>Just fyi though, if that is work study then he likely will not be awarded it in year 2 if he doesn’t use it his first year.</p>
<p>Yes, you can decline work study, but in many cases the student will NOT be offered work study in future years if it is declined. Research shows that most students can handle 10 to 12 hours of work very successfully, and actually do better academically than students who do not work. Think about an entire week, and how many hours there are to fill. Your S will not be in classes all day, every day like high school. I am sure he could find about 10 hours a week to work instead of sleeping, or sitting around playing online games, or wasting time all the other ways college kids think of. He could even find on campus work doing something connected to his studies or interests, so it would be useful as a resume builder too. He could always quit working if it really gets to be too much, but I would encourage him to find a work study job and use great time-management skills instead.</p>
<p>My only concern is that he would be committed to practice for his team everyday for about 2 hours, but I think you are right: let him try it and see if he can handle it</p>
<p>As the saying goes, want something done, ask a busy person to do it.</p>
<p>My daughter was offered work-study as part of a finaid package at a school she might attend. At this week’s admitted student day, I asked the tour guide what kinds of jobs are work-study. He said some are labor intensive, such as doing gardening at the school’s arboretum or local community service. But many of them are show up jobs such as handing out ping pong balls at the athletic center, which allow you to sit at a desk and study more than work. I’d imagine something similar at the OP’s school.</p>
<p>Also keep in mind that somewhere along the line your child is going to look for an internship, perhaps apply to grad school or get a job.</p>
<p>There are plenty of great jobs work work study students; research assistants, lab assitants if he is attending a large universtity affiliated with a med school/hospitial her can perhaps even do his work study assignment there.</p>
<p>Other advantages to having a Work-Study job:
The benefit of working in an environment suited to the students skills, preferences and possible career goals.</p>
<p>A work schedule arranged around the students class schedule by the student and employer. The student will not be asked to work during class times, and employers are flexible in allowing time off for studying for exams.</p>
<p>Work-Study wages not counted towards next year’s student contribution for financial aid. Wages from a non-Work-Study job will be counted towards next year’s student contribution for financial aid and may reduce eligibility for need-based financial aid.</p>
<p>Professional experience and contacts developed. These can be valuable when beginning a career or applying to graduate school.</p>
<p>Interacting with faculty, staff, and other students on a daily basis can connect you with campus life in new way.</p>
<p>Once you’ve graduated, perspective employers may look more favorably upon your work experience and references. Being able to list a work-study position on your resume shows that you take both your education and employment seriously, that you are able to balance and manage the different aspects of your life, and that you are willing to make the most out of the opportunities you are given.</p>
<p>Employers know that a positive reference from someone you’ve worked for through a work-study position can be taken seriously.</p>
<p>I personally had work study in college, my job was to sit in the rec room and take IDs from students in exchange for pool cues, then exchange back when they were done playing.</p>
<p>I did a ton of reading/writing/work during my “work” time.</p>
<p>So while a work study job can be a good way to get experience in something or make connections, it can also be a good opportunity to get your own work done.</p>
<p>You can decline whatever portion you please. Work study is something your son has to go and find a job from what is listed when he gets on campus and try to find something that works with his schedule and allotment, so he might want to take a look at what 's available. Some jobs are such that you can study as you work, truly work study, like checking ids or such. My son works in the tutoring center and he is as lonely as the old Maytag repairman. Gets his studying done then.</p>